Traditional songbird trapping in Mediterranean countries captures millions of migratory birds annually, raising welfare and conservation concerns despite cultural significance.
Songbird trapping causes welfare harm through the capture method and subsequent handling. Birds caught on lime-sticks suffer feather damage and can injure themselves struggling to escape. Trap systems that catch birds alive hold them in stressed conditions for extended periods. The welfare case is complicated by genuine cultural significance and the fact that trapping traditions in some communities are integral to cultural identity. Transition programs that support alternative activities have succeeded in some areas, reducing trapping while respecting community involvement in natural resource management.